Today we have an amazing interview to share. Bill Stoller is one of the giants of Oregon wine, owning three brands including his namesake winery, as well as Chehalem and Chemistry. It all began with his love for Oregon wine in the ‘80s, later purchasing a family turkey farm and planting in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The rest has been history. Thank you for taking the time to read my exclusive interview with Bill Stoller, founder of Stoller Family Estate.
Owen B: Co-Founding Express Employment Professionals back in 1983 how do you recall the Oregon wine scene throughout that decade?
Bill S: In 1983, I was just beginning to discover the wine scene. I was taking a few wine-tasting and educational courses during this time and started to notice the Oregon wine industry. I began receiving Wine Spectator magazine, and much of my reading focused on California and international wines, as much of the world had not yet discovered Oregon. However, I learned that the first Pinot Noir grapes had been planted very close to where I grew up, which piqued my interest.
Owen B: What goals did you have for Stoller when you founded the winery a decade later in 1993? What were some of the benchmark Oregon wines that you recall prior to founding Stoller?
Bill S: My interest in Pinot Noir grew during the mid-to-late 80s when I tasted the 1983 Oregon Pinot Noir and was amazed by how great Willamette Valley wines could be. Then the 1985 vintage came along, and I was hooked. My first goal was to be a farmer: to plant grapevines and sell fruit. Since I grew up on a farm, the vineyard was my first interest. When I purchased our family’s 373-acre turkey farm, I knew I was really in the wine business.
Owen B: Talk about founding winemaker Melissa Burr's influence to Stoller?
Bill S: In 2003, Melissa was a rather inexperienced winemaker, but her enthusiasm, attitude, and desire to learn were infectious. She learned a great deal from making our first wines at Chehalem, and in 2005, she made our first vintage at our new winery, Stoller Family Estate. That vintage is still one of the best she ever made. In reality, she has been fully responsible for making and leading others in producing our wine. Melissa has been invaluable throughout her time with us. She continues to be a key leader both in our company and our industry within her new role as Founding Winemaker.
Owen B: What are some of your future goals for Stoller and your other wine brands moving forward?
Bill S: We will continue to lead with our Stoller brand and, equally so, with Chehalem. Chemistry is our true value wine, and someday, I expect this label to sell more cases than our other labels.
Owen B: Do you have any epiphany wines from Oregon and beyond? What is your cellar like?
Bill S: The 83s and 85s still are some of the best wines ever produced in Oregon. I have also had several Burgundies that have been terrific as well. My wine cellar is too big. That said, I still buy annually from some of my favorite producers.